On February 24, Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming), Majority Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, introduced Senate Bill 275 which would prohibit local governments from adopting requirements that new buildings use climate-friendly energy sources.

Coincidentally, the Washington Post reported February 23 on an initiative by the American Gas Association to get states across the country to adopt legislation to prohibit local governments from adopting ordinances that would block the use of fossil fuels in new homes and commercial construction.  Read more here.

Four states adopted the preemption law last year and similar legislation has been introduced in twelve more states.

The issue started when Berkley, California became the first city in the nation to ban natural gas hookups in new construction or substantially renovated structures.

When he announced the introduction of the legislation in January, Sen. Yaw said, “Energy policies, if any, throughout the United States vary greatly.  Some states leave major energy policy decisions to the lowest municipal level. 

“With over 2,500 municipal entities in Pennsylvania, such a potential scenario would create a policy founded on an unworkable patchwork of restrictions and further deny residents access to differing energy resources. 

“Given the importance of all energy sources to Pennsylvania, it is simply prudent government policy for the state to preempt this field.

“My bill will place decisions regarding restrictions on the use of any energy source in housing and commercial energy applications solely within the purview of the state.   This will ensure that all Pennsylvania businesses and homeowners have the opportunity to access energy, whether it be natural gas, solar, wind, geothermal or other.  

“Further, this legislation will be a step forward in developing a statewide energy policy addressing all forms.

“I hope you will join me in preserving the Commonwealth's authority to set energy policy and ensure that all Pennsylvanians are able to benefit from our resources.”

The bill was referred to the Senate Local Government Committee chaired by Rep. Cris Dush (R-Jefferson).

NewsClip:

Post: Gas Industry Pushes Legislation To Preempt Local Govts From Requiring All-Electric New Buildings

Related Bills This Week:

-- Sen. Yaw Bill Would Load Up Renewable Energy Projects, Makers Of Energy Efficiency Products, Biomas Coal Waste Plants, Alternative Fuels, Even High-Efficiency Locomotives With Bonds To Make Them Less Competitive

-- Sen. Yaw Introduces Bill To Control Overuse Of Fertilizer On Turf; 11th Year For Consideration

Senate Republican 2021 Environmental & Energy Agenda

-- PA Senate Republican Caucus Files Lawsuit Against Delaware River Basin Commission Over Shale Gas Drilling Moratorium

-- Republicans On Senate Environmental Committee Approve Letter Urging IRRC To Disapprove Reg. Reducing Carbon Pollution From Power Plants

-- Senate Republican Bills Kill Regulations By Doing Nothing, Shield Violators From Enforcement

-- Senate Republicans Want To Mandate Private Contractor Permit Reviews, Eliminating DEP’s Review On Behalf Of The Public

-- Sen. Yaw Bill Would Load Up Renewable Energy Projects, Makers Of Energy Efficiency Products, Biomass, Coal Waste Plants, Alternative Fuels, Even High-Efficiency Locomotives With Bonds To Make Them Less Competitive

-- Sen. Yaw Introduces Bill To Control Overuse Of Fertilizer On Turf; 11th Year For Consideration

[Posted: February 25, 2021]

3/1/2021